Judge Benjamin M. Bowden Appointed to Alabama Court of Civil Appeals
Fills vacancy left by Judge Bill Lewis’ appointment to the AL Supreme Court
Governor Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday that she had appointed Judge Benjamin M. Bowden to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, effective immediately. Bowden fills the vacancy left by Judge Bill Lewis, who was elevated to the Alabama Supreme Court following Justice Jay Mitchell’s resignation earlier this week.
“Judge Bowden’s impressive record as a legal scholar is matched by his exemplary performance as an attorney, prosecutor and judge,” Governor Ivey said. “He has steadfastly demonstrated a dedication to justice and fairness under the law. I have the utmost confidence that he will serve with the highest integrity,”
“I am humbled by the confidence Governor Ivey has shown in allowing me to serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals,” said Judge Ben Bowden. “Angie and I are thrilled at this new opportunity. I’m a public servant at heart and I look forward to serving the people of Alabama in this important and exciting way. Can’t wait to get started!”
Bowden has served as Circuit Judge of Alabama’s 22nd Judicial Circuit in Covington County since 2016. Prior to that, he was the county’s Probate Judge from 2008 to 2016.
A native of Brundidge, Alabama, Bowden earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama. He received his officer’s commission through the U.S. Air Force ROTC program and joined the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1992, serving at Bitburg Air Base in Germany and Aviano Air Base in Italy.
After leaving active duty in 1997, Bowden joined the Andalusia law firm of Albrittons, Clifton, Alverson, Moody & Bowden, P.C. There, he maintained a general litigation practice while also serving as the Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Andalusia and as an Assistant District Attorney. During his career, he successfully prosecuted two capital murder cases, one of which was the longest jury trial in the history of Covington County.
Bowden remained a member of the Air Force Reserves until his retirement in 2023 with the rank of Colonel.
Bowden's appointment marks the first time a full-time appellate judge has hailed from Covington County, reflecting his deep roots and commitment to public service in the region.
The announcement from the Governor’s Office is HERE.
